Implementation barriers to the circular supply chain mode for pre-consumer textile waste reprocessing in China

Based on the circular supply chain (CSC) mode and socio-technical systems (STS) theory, this study develops a theoretical framework for pre-consumer textile waste reclamation in China, including five stages of the CSC mode from both social and technical aspects. According to this framework, the literature review and experts’ opinions, we identify 10 implementation barriers to the CSC mode. Using evaluation by three experts, we apply the grey-based Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to explore causal-effect relationships among these barriers. The DEMATEL analysis reveals a surprising result that important barriers are all from the social (management) aspect. Meanwhile, the elemental barriers which need to be overcome in the long-term are all technical-related. Our results provide practical implications for pre-consumer textile waste processors and the government to effectively promote the CSC mode for waste minimization and resource reclamation.